You can just feel the heart-pounding adrenaline in the air as hundreds of thousands flock to California's great surfing spots for annual surfing events coming in late July and August. Pictured is the US Open of Surfing and Beach Games in Huntington Beach, one of the biggest such events. It takes place July 30 - August 7, 2011. The event is entirely free and features fashion shows on the beach, surfing movie premiers, some give-aways, and three days of free concerts on the beach with bands:

• Thursday, August 4 4:30-6:30pm The Sounds featured with Walk The Walk
• Friday, August 5 4:30-6:30pm Jimmy Eat World preceded by Dead Country
• Saturday, August 6 4:30-6:30pm MGMT preceded by Surfer Blood

South Bay is hosting the annual International Surf Festival July 29-31, 2011. It features the Velzy-Stevens Pier to Pier Paddleboard Championships, the Dick Fitzgerald Two-Mile Run, CBVA sanctioned 6-person Beach Volleyball Tournament, International Bodysurfing Championship, the Dwight Crum Pier to Pier Swim, lifeguard competitions and dory races. Co-hosted by Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Torrance. Register online: surffestival.org.

In Oceanside (San Diego County) the Oceanside Longboard Surfing Club Contest & Beach Festival August 12 - 14 at Oceanside Pier and Amphitheater invites the public to participate in the 27th Annual Longboard Contest. It also features Guy Takayama Pro Noseriding surfing contest, plus lots of live music with free concerts at the Pier Amphitheatre. Location: 200 N The Strand, Oceanside, CA. oceansidelongboardsurfingclub.org

Stand Up Surf Competition is coming to Crescent City on September 30, 2011. It takes place at South Beach, 901 Highway 101 South. All are welcome to compete regardless of their level of experience, from first time surfer to life long surfer. For information call Noll Surf and Skate at (707) 465-4400.

While there are many local surfing contests happening nearly every week along the California Coast, the biggest events often include live music and a festival atmosphere that attracts larger crowds. Sometimes the waves aren't quite as big, so the music and other events make up for what nature doesn't quite deliver on.

Of course the biggest surfing event for wave action is Mavericks in San Mateo County near Half Moon Bay. The event did not take place in 2011 but 2010 was a memorable year when a rogue wave hit the crowd.

If you catch the surfing fever, you can rent a board, take a class, and be on your way to Surfing USA! All ages are welcome to participate in this sport. There are even contests for the senior crowd.